DIY Craft Bag: Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey Craft Kit

Maybe this year, it’s time to glam up the Thanksgiving Dinner Kid’s Table with this cute little cornstarch handprint turkey keepsake. You keep kids entertained, a chance to create special memories and bond with aunts, uncles and grandparents, while creating a keepsake.

Here’s everything you need to plan ahead — you likely already have everything in your pantry.

Create Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey Craft Kits for a Fun, Kid-Friendly Holiday Activity!

Why a keepsake craft on Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that brings family and friends together — and while the adults might enjoy lounging around after the big meal, kids often get a little stir-crazy! That’s where a Thanksgiving handprint turkey craft comes in — bringing together the adults and the kids. And, the DIY handprint turkey craft kits gives your guests a keepsake take-home. These kits are easy to assemble, (your kids can be in charge!) cost-effective, and add a personal, hands-on touch to the holiday that everyone will remember.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make a DIY Thanksgiving handprint turkey craft with cornstarch clay, as well as tips for putting together cute craft kits that can be used on the day of Thanksgiving or taken home as a fun keepsake. Let’s get crafting!

What’s in a Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey Craft Kit?

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s look at what goes into a Thanksgiving handprint turkey craft kit. These kits are designed to be simple yet engaging, with everything your guests (or you and your kids) will need to create a lasting Thanksgiving keepsake. Here’s what each kit should include:

1 cup corn starch
1 pound (2 cups) baking soda
1-1/4 cups cold water
1 tablespoon light colored vegetable oil
waxed paper
cookie sheet
feathers
red string
glue gun
cute tiny hands
Butter knife (for trimming around the handprint)

Plastic bag or airtight container (for storing extra clay)

You can place all these items in a simple, small bag or container, and voilà — your Thanksgiving turkey craft kit is ready!

How to Make Cornstarch Clay for Handprint Turkeys

The heart of this craft is the cornstarch clay, which is perfect for capturing those little handprints and dries beautifully for a long-lasting keepsake. Here’s a quick recipe to make the clay, along with some tips for packaging it in your DIY kits.

Ingredients:

1 cup cornstarch
1 pound (2 cups) baking soda
1-1/4 cups cold water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

Combine Cornstarch and Baking Soda: In a medium saucepan, stir together the cornstarch and baking soda.
Add Water and Oil: Pour in the cold water and vegetable oil, stirring until smooth.
Cook the Mixture: Place the pan over medium heat, stirring constantly. The mixture will start to thicken and form lumps, then gradually come together into a dough. Keep stirring until it reaches the consistency of slightly dry mashed potatoes.
Cool the Dough: Turn the clay out onto waxed paper and cover with a damp cloth. Let it cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable to touch.
Knead the Clay: Once cool, knead the clay until it’s smooth and pliable. At this point, you can divide it into small portions to be used right away or package it in airtight bags for the craft kits.

Pro Tip: If you’re making several kits, you can store the cornstarch clay portions in individual airtight bags or containers to keep it fresh. This makes it easy for your guests to use the clay whenever they’re ready to craft.

Assembling the Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey Craft Kit

Once you have your cornstarch clay prepared (or the dry ingredients ready for guests to mix themselves), it’s time to assemble the rest of the kit! Here’s how to make each kit fun and easy for kids to use.

Step 1: Pack the Clay (or Ingredients)

If you’re including pre-made clay, divide it into small portions and place each in an airtight bag.
Alternatively, you can provide the dry ingredients in small, labeled bags, along with instructions for guests to make the clay themselves at home.

Step 2: Add Feathers and Yarn

Feathers: Include 4–5 feathers in each kit. Brown, orange, and yellow are traditional colors, but let your creativity flow!
Red Yarn: Add a short piece of red yarn for the turkey’s wattle. A piece about 2 inches long works well.

Step 3: Include Glue and Waxed Paper

Mini Glue Stick: A small, kid-safe glue stick is perfect for attaching the feathers and wattle.
Waxed Paper: Provide a small piece of waxed paper in each kit to prevent the clay from sticking to surfaces.

Step 4: Add a Personal Touch with an Instruction Card

Write up a simple instruction card for each kit, explaining how to create the handprint turkey. You can even add a cute Thanksgiving message or include the year to make it extra special.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating a Handprint Turkey Keepsake

Now, here’s how to use the Thanksgiving handprint turkey craft kit once it’s ready to go!

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Start by placing the cornstarch clay on the waxed paper. Help your child roll it into a disc about 1/2 inch thick — just thick enough to capture a nice, clear handprint.

Step 2: Press the Handprint

Have your child press their hand gently but firmly into the clay. This will create the turkey’s “body.” You don’t need to press too hard; just enough to leave an impression.

Anecdote: I recently did this with my niece, and watching her face light up when she saw her tiny handprint in the clay was priceless. These moments are what make crafts like these so memorable!

Step 3: Trim and Smooth the Edges

Use a butter knife or your finger to smooth around the edges of the handprint for a cleaner look. If you’re making this on Thanksgiving Day, you can leave it as-is, but trimming it makes it look more polished, especially if it’s meant as a keepsake.

Step 4: Decorate the Turkey

Here’s where the fun begins! Use the glue stick to attach the feathers to the “fingers” of the handprint, creating the turkey’s feathers. Then, glue the red yarn onto the thumb area for the wattle. Let the kids get creative with the placement!

Step 5: Write the Year and Name on the Back

Flip the handprint over and write the year and the child’s name. This little detail will be something you’ll treasure in years to come.

Step 6: Let It Dry

Place the handprint turkey on a flat surface and let it dry for about 48 hours. Make sure it’s in a safe place where it won’t get touched or bumped while drying.

Options for Setting-up Your Thanksgiving Handprint Activity

Here are a few ideas:

1. Thanksgiving Day Crafting Station

Set up a little crafting station for kids to work on their handprint turkeys while the adults are busy in the kitchen or lounging post-dinner. It keeps the kids entertained and gives them something to look forward to each year.

2. Take-Home Craft Kits for Guests

Send guests home with these DIY handprint turkey kits as a special Thanksgiving treat. It’s an especially sweet gesture for family members who may not live close by and don’t get to see the kids often. These kits can be a nice reminder of your time together.

3. Post-Thanksgiving Activity

If Thanksgiving Day is too hectic, save these craft kits for the weekend after. Kids can make their turkeys while you’re catching up on rest or enjoying leftovers. It’s a fun way to keep the Thanksgiving spirit going a little longer!

4. Keepsake Gifts for Grandparents

Kids’ grandparents will love these handprint turkeys as gifts! They’re personal, handmade, and a perfect way to capture those tiny hands before they grow any bigger.

Why Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey Craft Kits are the Perfect Holiday Activity

Whether you use the kits on Thanksgiving Day or give them as take-home gifts, these kits are a thoughtful, creative and fun addition that brings kids and adults together.